Fleming College

This 10-week certificate program provides you with introductory training on heavy forestry equipment as well as education in forestry principles and proper safety techniques. You will get hands-on experience operating machinery and performing preventative maintenance and minor repairs. The program also includes the basics of forestry operations, harvest systems, milling and forest fire preparedness.

Fleming has been a leader in Forestry education for over 55 years – we have the largest college Forestry program in Canada. We are also a renowned training hub for heavy equipment technology. Combining these two specialties, we can offer this unique program within our exceptional learning environments. You will have access to a range of industry equipment right on-campus as well as state-of-the-art simulators to enhance your real-world training.

Demand for employees in the Forestry sector is growing. Careers for graduates within this program can include:

• Logging and machinery operators
• Silviculture and forestry workers
• Chainsaw and skidder operators
• Logging and forestry labourers
• Heavy equipment operators

Students applying to Forestry Equipment Operator must meet the following requirements:

• OSSD with majority of credits at the Workplace (E) level including Gr 12 (E) English

If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Skillsmarker to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

• Identify, wear, and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with legislation, safety standards, and industry practices.
• Perform safety inspections and preventative maintenance for forest harvesting machines according to legislation, industry standards, and manufacturer specifications.
• Explain silvicultural systems, and operations in implementation of forest management operations.
• Identify, measure, and assess trees using common forestry tools and resources for use in implementing silvicultural operations.
• Operate forestry machinery to harvest timber safely and effectively.
• Safely operate and maintain small equipment used in timber harvesting and processing.